Post by : Badri Ariffin

Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC) has granted the Taweelah C Independent Power Producer (IPP) contract to a consortium spearheaded by Abu Dhabi National Energy Company PJSC (TAQA), including Aljomaih Energy and Water Company and Sembcorp Industries.

The Taweelah C initiative will introduce a 2.6-gigawatt Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) plant in Abu Dhabi, designed to facilitate potential future carbon capture applications and support the UAE's energy transition ambitions.

Post-award, EWEC entered into a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with the consortium, which will remain valid until 2050, with EWEC serving as the exclusive buyer of the plant's electricity output.

TAQA will own 60% of the project, while Aljomaih Energy and Water Company along with Sembcorp Industries will hold the remaining 40%. For operations and maintenance, TAQA retains a 40% stake, with the consortium collectively owning 60%.

The consortium is tasked with the design, financing, construction, operation, and maintenance of this facility under Abu Dhabi's independent power producer framework.

EWEC emphasizes that the Taweelah C project is crucial for ensuring a stable electricity supply while fostering rapid renewable energy growth. They aim to have solar photovoltaic capacity surpassing 30GW by 2035, and this plant will be pivotal in integrating that energy into the grid.

The venture is projected to offer one of the most competitive capital expenditure rates per kilowatt-hour in the region, ensuring efficient, flexible power generation while aiding the UAE's decarbonisation efforts.

TAQA remarked that the project will enhance its low-carbon energy portfolio, with aspirations to achieve 150GW of international capacity by 2030. It noted that gas-fired generation remains crucial for the integration of renewable energy and the UAE's net-zero goals.

Aljomaih Energy and Water Company highlighted the project as a significant advancement in expanding its regional energy pursuits, whereas Sembcorp Industries reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the UAE’s energy shift through strategic alliances.

The Taweelah C facility will incorporate cutting-edge H-class gas turbines from Siemens Energy, optimizing electricity delivery to the Abu Dhabi grid while allowing for renewable energy integration.

Moreover, the project is set to align with the UAE's Emiratisation objectives by generating job opportunities for nationals in vital technical and operational fields.

Construction will commence in partnership with EWEC and the consortium, with expectations for commercial operations to start in 2029.

#Global News #UAE News #Abu Dhabi News #Abu Dhabi